Ravenna's Mosaic Magic: A Day Trip Guide

Discover the Byzantine treasure trove of Italy in Ravenna.

22 April 2023

Ravenna offers a unique glimpse into the rich history and culture of Italy, home to stunning Byzantine mosaics and impressive Romanesque artwork. Tourists can explore the city's many churches and monuments, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Basilica di San Vitale. From strolling along the picturesque streets to sampling delicious Italian cuisine, a trip to Ravenna is an unforgettable experience.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Discovering the mosaics of Ravenna

  • Start the day with an espresso in the Piazza del Popolo, the heart of Ravenna's historic center.
  • Visit the Basilica di San Vitale, an iconic Byzantine church with stunning mosaics that tell the story of the life of Christ.
  • Admire the intricate mosaics of the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia, a 5th-century monument that is considered one of the finest examples of Byzantine art.
  • Take a stroll through the quiet gardens of the Battistero Neoniano, a baptismal chapel with colorful mosaics depicting the apostles.
  • Head to the Piazza di San Francesco to grab a bite at the Osteria della Villetta, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Emilian cuisine.
  • End the day with an evening walk through the picturesque Borgo San Rocco neighborhood, known for its charming narrow streets and colorful houses.
  • Ravenna is a city where history, art, and food merge together, creating a unique atmosphere that will enchant you. With just one day, make sure to visit the best of Ravenna's mosaics, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a long day of exploring, indulge in some delicious Emilian cuisine and enjoy the city's relaxed pace of life.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

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How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Ravenna, Italy by plane is to fly into Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport and then take the Aerobus shuttle to Bologna Centrale train station. From there, take a train to Ravenna. The whole journey takes around 2 hours.

Car

If you are driving, the best way to get to Ravenna is to take the A14 motorway and then exit at Ravenna.

Train

You can take a train from major cities in Italy such as Milan, Florence, or Rome to Ravenna. The central train station in Ravenna is called Ravenna train station.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no boats that go directly to Ravenna as it is an inland city. However, you can take a boat ride along the nearby Adriatic coast from nearby locations such as Rimini or Cesenatico.

Bus

There are buses that connect Ravenna to other cities in Italy such as Bologna and Rimini. The main bus station in Ravenna is called Piazzale Aldo Moro.

Destination

Ravenna

Welcome to a city that's not just famous for its mosaics, but also for having seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites - just in case one wasn't enough. Oh, and did we mention it's also the birthplace of a world-renowned mathematician? (But don't worry, you don't need to be a genius to enjoy this place.)

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Type of trip

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